The Phoenix 2015-2016 Issue 5

A Student Publication of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School • 1609 Avenue J, Brooklyn, New York • Issue 5 • February 2016 / 5776

YOF Juniors Above Average on PSAT

By Miriam Zenilman Managing Editor

Ninety-nine percent of Flatbush juniors scored above the national average on the PSAT, according to Associate Principal Ms. Bacon. Additionally, a review of the 11th graders’ PSAT results reveal that 24 juniors got at least three-fourths of the exam correct.

On October 14, 168 students from the Flatbush junior class took the PSAT, the pre-test to the SAT exam that many of the same students will be taking in the upcoming months. The PSAT assesses students’ strengths and weaknesses, letting them know what they need to work on in order to earn the scores they are striving for when the time comes to take the SAT. The test is especially important this

year, as the College Board is debuting a revamped version of the SAT in 2016.

According to the CollegeBoard website, the new SAT will no longer require students to “memorize obscure words.” Test questions will reportedly apply more commonly to people’s lives. For example, a math question would now ask students to solve a problem in a career scenario.

Meanwhile, a total of 110 Flatbush juniors earned an accumulated score of over 1000. Both the critical reading and math sections are scored out of 800 points each. The highest critical reading score in the grade was 730 and the highest math score was 740. The average total score was 1064, with the critical reading

New Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Lamm

it is.” Specifically, before getting her job

she said, “I’m a very boring person.”

For the past few summers Ms. Lamm was in school getting her second master’s degree, this time in school leadership.

With her degree completed, this summer should be a lot more relaxing. She said she’ll “probably just enjoy spending time with my kids, and prep for next year of course!”

Surprisingly, Ms. Lamm didn’t always like English, because she didn’t like her English teachers. Then, she had one teacher for creative writing “who showed me how different it could be, and I knew I wanted to be like her.” She said she’s very happy with her career choice. “Teaching English is a lot of work but I love watching teenagers learn to think independently and surprise themselves with what they can accomplish,” she said.

Special Section: Technology inside (and outside) the classroom Page 4-5

Entertainment: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, oh my!

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Sports: Kassin and BenHaim lead Boys’ Tennis on championship quest Page 8

Sophomore Editor

In This Issue Student Survey: How do you usually listen to music?

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“It’s a new test,” she said. “There are more tests to review from [the ACT].”

Senior Sarah Coopersmith, who earned a 1400 on the old SAT, offered advice to the juniors. “Find an app … for the math and just practice,” she said, before adding, “Don’t listen to me because the SAT is totally different now.”

here, Ms. Lamm had heard about Flatbush’s reputation for rigorous academics and for strong connections to Israel.

Ms. Lamm’s students really appreciate her. Junior Frida Eskenazy of class 3-HN said, “I enjoy her class because she provides a stress-free environment in which we can discuss things freely.”

When she’s not in school, Ms. Lamm is busy raising her three children: Betzalel (9), Rivky (8), and Naftali (6). Each of her children goes to a different school because, as she explained, “Different kids have different needs and as a parent (like as a teacher), it’s important to focus on what each individual child (and student) needs in order to best succeed.”

Ms. Lamm still lives in Brooklyn, “still pretty close to school.” Her hobbies include baking and reading but otherwise,

By Mary Jajati Among the many new teachers Flatbush has recruited this year is Ms. Tziri Lamm, an English teacher to juniors and seniors. Ms. Lamm has taught in several all-girls schools, including Bais Yaakov.

Ms. Lamm grew up just a few blocks away from the Yeshivah. She says, “I’ve always heard about what a great school

average coming in at 524 and the math average at 530.

Some students took the PSAT but don’t plan on taking the SAT, opting instead for the ACT exam. Lauren Ishay, 3V, expressed concern over taking the SAT because it’s a relatively unknown entity.

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Meet a Flatbush Family:

Esther, Raymond, and Adina Cohen

By Marlene Levy Sophomore Editor

Well-known senior twins Esther and Ray (Raymond) Cohen were recently joined in school by their freshman sister, Adina. Although many people don’t see the resemblance between Ray and Esther, a few have pointed out that Adina looks a lot like a smaller version of her older sister.

You might find the Cohens waving to each other in the hallway, or maybe playing around a little; there doesn’t seem to be a Flatbush family that’s closer than these three. Esther, who serves as SGO Vice President, often gives Adina some sisterly advice on how to survive the dangerous life that

is high school. And Ray can always depend on Esther to keep him on top of his work or lend him money when he’s cleaned out.

The Cohen trio have an older brother, Eli, who is an alumnus of the school, having graduated three years ago. Although they say it would be pretty fun to have their whole family in the school at the same time, the current students have admitted being happy to see each other throughout the school day.

Like any normal family, the Cohen family does have their own disputes, like when Ray bothers Esther and “gets her nervous.” But, when asked how they feel about going their separate ways after Esther and Ray’s graduation, their decision was unanimous: they all think it’s kind of sad that they will never be together like this again.

Depending on one another throughout high school is what makes the journey so much fun!

So although soon we will have to bid Ray and Esther farewell, it is clear that even without the assistance of her older twins, Adina’s light will shine very brightly over the next three years, thanks in part to the wise assistance her family has shared with her in the one year they have together.

Student Survey: How do you usually listen to music?

Spotify YouTube Pandora Apple Music Other Illegal downloads iTunes Radio Iheartradio Google Play Music CDs Amazon

88 37.6% 31 13.2% 26 11.1% 25 10.7% 22 9.4% 20 8.5% 7 3% 5 2.1% 3 1.3% 3 1.3% 3 1.3% 1 0.4% 238 responses

Alumnus Profile: Joe Benun (’10)

By Sam E. Beyda Contributing Writer

Joseph Benun is a 2010 graduate of Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School, a Princeton University alumnus, a two-time Iron Man triathlete, works in technology and with nonprofits, and is heavily involved in two charities. The secret to fitting everything in, Benun says, is waking up early.

An average day for Benun begins at 5:45 a.m. with a workout until 7 a.m., and finishes at 11 p.m. Although Benun hasn’t run competitively since his last Iron Man in 2011, he works out every morning to stay in good shape. What Joe thinks is most important about his daily schedule, is waking up the same time every day, no matter what time he goes to sleep. He says, “I think psychologically there’s also the benefit of starting the day on your own terms, at your time, which allows for that morning routine to do what you find best.” At Princeton, Benun would go to sleep some nights at 4 or 5 a.m., and still wake up at his usual time.

As for the long hours he works now, he believes Flatbush helped prepare him for that. However, Benun stated that Flatbush helped prepare him in many ways beyond waking up early and surviving a long day. “The dual curriculum at Flatbush,” he said, “made the academic workload at college seem pretty chill.”

What had the most lasting impact on Benun was the conversations he had with his teachers. He remembers his sophomore English teacher. Ms. Agassi, telling him that he had a “voice” in his writing, something no one had said before because his colloquial style had been considered poor writing in elementary school. Partially due to Ms. Agassi’s encouragement, Benun took many writing classes in college. Other conversations with influential teachers, Benun recalls, were not related to school and were some

The Phoenix Staff Editor-in-Chief: Michelle Harari Managing Editor: Miriam Zenilman Senior Editor: Gabriel Vizgan School News Editor: Gabrielle Cohen Religion Editor: Sarah Torgueman Entertainment Editor: Daniella Babaee Music Editor: Esty Fromer Sports Editor: Albert Dweck Fun and Games Editor: Merle Dweck Standard of Fabulous Editors: Sylvia Ashkenazie, Aida Hasson Web Editor: Joey Baum Junior Editors: David Azrak, Diana Hoffstein, Mimi Lazerowitz, Esther Levy, Naomi Sanders, Jane Zakay Sophomore Editors: Daliah Ben-Ari, Mary Jajati, Marlene Levy

of the most significant conversations he has had.

“I think we often see teachers as just that—teachers,” Benun explained. “But we can forget that behind the desk there are years of history, experiences, ideas and wisdom.”

Outside of school, Benun began running formally around 13 years old, in the JCC Maccabi games. He then started distance running, which led him to triathlons, and eventually the Iron Man. The Iron Man consists of a 2.4-mile swim followed by a 112-mile bicycle ride, and finally a full marathon run (26.2-miles); Benun has completed two of these triathlons so far.

Running also led Benun into chesed, when he began raising money for Chai Lifeline through a half-marathon, at age 15. He also credits Charles Anteby and SBH for getting him involved in nonprofit organizations. Benun currently works with several nonprofits. Good St., a nonprofit Benun co-founded during college, is especially interesting and revolutionary. Members donate a quarter a day to one of the daily charities, which is all seen in a daily e-mail. To date, Good St. has more than 400 members, and has raised more than $53,000, supporting more than 1,200 charities.

With his work ethic, his dedication to self-improvement, and his passion for helping others, Joe Benun truly is the model of a Flatbush graduate.

High School Administration Rabbi Raymond Harari Head of School Rabbi Ronald Levy Principal Ms. Jill W. Sanders Associate Principal Director of Admissions Ms. Sari Bacon Associate Principal Rabbi Joseph Beyda Assistant Principal

Design: Therese Berkowitz Faculty Adviser: Adam Hofstetter

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D’var Torah: Patience Is Golden Sarah Torgueman Religion Editor

Patience is a virtue. Parasha Ki Tisa tells of one of Am Yisrael’s greatest sins: Chet Haegel.

After Matan Torah, the most intimate time between Hashem and His beloved

nation, Moshe goes up Har Sinai to meet with Hashem. While he learns the Torah MiSinai so he can teach it to the rest of Am Yisrael, Am Yisrael betrays him, by worshipping the golden calf. Through this act, they commit treason against Hashem and the faith that they have recently accepted.

Moshe cannot bear to witness such betrayal. He shatters the Aseret Hadibrot, the Ten Commandments. He then destroys the golden calf and kills the leaders of the sin. Once Moshe officially processes the events that have just occurred, Hashem proposes annihilating Am Yisrael for their treasonous sin. Moshe begs Hashem to forgive His nation. After much negotiation, Hashem forgives His nation and mentions that the consequence for their sin will be felt for many generations.

According to Rashi, based on Sanhedrin 102a, Chet Haegel revisits the Jewish people today. Every punishment that we receive contains an element that punishes us for the sin of Chet Haegel. According to the Rambam, Chet Haegel was not completely idol worship, avodah zara.

Instead, it was actually a replacement of Moshe, who acted as the messenger between Hashem and Am Yisrael. Am Yisrael sought a way to remain close to Hashem when Moshe was absent from their lives for 40 days. Without any established laws at the time. as the Torah was still being finalized, Am Yisrael chose a path that they believed would bring

them closer to Hashem. While Moshe was absent from their lives, they tried to maintain their level of faith in Hashem.

Regardless of the circumstances of the sin, Am Yisrael was wrong. Today the descendants of sinners continue to pay for Chet Haegel in every punishment that we receive. Am Yisrael used the Egel as a way to facilitate their faith and service to Hashem. Faith is not tangible. Am Yisrael needed to practice patience and accept that Moshe would return soon. They got restless and took matters into their own hands to recreate the bridge that they had as an outlet to Hashem. They were not patient for Moshe to return.

Am Yisrael had to wait. That was all they had to do. Instead, they betrayed Hashem and Moshe. Trust was lost because they sought a tangible way to connect to Hashem and did not wait for Moshe to return. None the less, they would soon receive the Mitzvot and have the opportunity to worship Hashem through His Mitzvot. Patience is a crucial value to learn from this parasha.

With patience, we will fully complete our tasks at hand and will eventually succeed in our endeavors.

Why the Discovery of Gravitational Waves Matters

By Hannah Waide Contributing Writer

World-renowned physicist Albert Einstein predicted almost 101 years ago the existence of gravitational waves, which are ripples in the fabric of spacetime. Space-time is the abstract idea of the combination of space and time into a universe.

Einstein’s prediction finally rang true on February 10, when American scientists announced that they had, for the first time in history, actually heard the sound of these ripples in space-time when two black holes collided.

The faint chirp, which was in the musical note middle C, was recorded by twin detectors run by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO).

Yes, there is an observatory that was built solely for the purpose of detecting possible gravitational waves, which nobody was sure existed before February 10. And it actually worked.

Black holes are formed when a dense star “dies.” As the star condenses and its gravity increases, it draws in space-time until space-time is so condensed, or perhaps torn, that nothing can escape from it, not even light.

The two black holes collided 1.3 billion years ago to form a black hole with the mass of 62 suns. Nearing the end of the collision the black holes were revolving around one another at nearly half the speed of light. The collision let off additional energy in the form of gravitational waves (approximately three suns’ worth of energy). In visible light, that energy would have the brightness of approximately one billion trillion suns.

LIGO detected the waves when its 2.5-mile “arms” changed size by four

Above: An artist’s rendering of the invisible waves in space-time caused by the collision between two black holes Right: The basic design of the LIGO apparatus

one-thousandths of the diameter of a proton, caused by the gravitational waves changing the shape and size of space-time.

However, despite the fact that we now have physical evidence that space and time can meld together as Einstein predicted in his General Theory of Relativity, we still have to go to class.

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Flatbush TEch Technology and education have been partners since the invention of the abacus, and Yeshivah of Flatbush has long embraced the integration of educational technology. On

After Five Years iPad Program Draws Mixed Reviews

By Stephanie Franco Contributing Writer

Almost five years after Yeshivah of Flatbush students first received iPads to use in and out of the classroom, there is little consensus among students, teachers, and administrators about how useful the devices have been.

A survey conducted by the Phoenix shows that most sophomores, juniors, and seniors find their iPads a necessity in their academic life and use the technology often.

Principal Rabbi Levy is positive as well, though he warned against the dangers of misuse. “The idea was that it was an opportunity for students and teachers to interact not only visually, but also with tools to have the opportunity to do immediate research,” he said.

“It can be an extremely valuable tool. It shouldn’t be overused even as an educational tool because the idea is to have variety of stimuli to cause the student to be able to

these two pages, The Phoenix examines the ways that the Yeshivah and its teachers and students are using technology, and its effects in and out of the classroom.

learn better.”

From computer labs to Smart Boards, technology has transformed the way the school functions. The idea of incorporating iPads into the school was initially proposed by the administration and teachers, in particular Assistant Principal, Rabbi Beyda, who oversees technology. Rabbi Beyda explained four benefits he felt iPads would provide: enhancing student engagement in the learning process; the addition of research as part of daily learning; collaboration between the teachers and students; and the instillation of creativity. In addition, the administration felt it was a good opportunity to bring computing into the hands of the student. After many presentations and discussions, the conclusion was reached to allow for the incorporation of iPads

into students learning.

In addition, David Hinson, the Director of Technology Services in the Elementary and High School, believes that iPads, and technology in general, allow the students to gain the proficiency and the tools needed to guide them in the real world.

Several teachers, including History department chairman Mr. Rothbort and Jewish History teacher Ms. Schulman, are known to regularly incorporate iPad use into their lessons. English teacher, Mr. Hofstetter, said he often plans lessons that rely on the iPads’ functionality, such as asking students to look up information online or sending students electronic texts instead of paper handouts, only to be thwarted when several students haven’t kept their iPads charged or haven’t brought them to class at all.

Although the technology can be beneficial, some students and teachers feel as though iPads aren’t providing a productive enhancement to the education. For example, Jane Zakay, a junior said, “I think we’d actually do a lot better without it,” explaining how distracting the technology can be. Moreover, Hebrew teacher Mar Raphaeli doesn’t allow students to use their iPads during his class due to their distracting quality. The device itself has notifications, games, and many more distractions. Once the negatives of the device were revealed, the administration decided to hold off on giving incoming freshmen their iPads until after they complete a full semester.

Education has changed drastically due to the new teaching methods presented as a result of technology. iPads could be beneficial or harmful depending on how they are used.

Rabbi Beyda shows freshmen the iPad as the program begins in 2011

Class Chats: Good or Evil?

By Naomi Sanders Junior Editor

Group chats for an entire homeroom class are a common tool that keeps students connected and up to date on assignments. But how productive are these class chats in actuality? When asking sophomores, juniors, and seniors how they feel, about the chats, the results were mixed.

Some say that they rely on the class chat and have benefitted academically and socially because of it. Others say the chats do more harm than good.

Most students agree that the class chat is productive, in some way or another. It is definitely an easy way to get information to the entire class efficiently, and a quick way to find out what the homework is or what tests are coming up, if you forgot to write it down. Many students also use them to fill any holes in their notes.

“How else am I supposed to know about upcoming homework and tests and where else am I supposed to get notes from?” asked junior Morris Mamiye.

However, sophomore Jennifer Shalam says that, despite the conveniences, class chats can be “very distracting when you need to study.”

Some students say that class chats are only productive when there’s a test coming up or a project due, or when making up missed work. Class chats are productive “especially when I’m absent,” says junior Claudia Chera, “but there are days when no one answers in class chats and then they are not as effective as other days.”

Senior Sarah Coopersmith said that she left her class chat because she did not feel it was so productive. “The only good thing was that I would know about tests and homework, but, like, there was too much nonsense, you know?”

Many students also claim that class group chats help classes do better academically as a whole. It gives students an opportunity to ask each other questions before a test and get answers from their classmates while studying. Junior Emily Waldman feels that “the chat doesn’t always help that much academically but sometimes when people are really generous and send useful reviews and stuff, it helps.”

Discussing what goes on in class chats is sticky because some of what goes on in class chats is not necessarily ethical.

English teacher Mr. Hofstetter describes his experience: “I have had instances of cheating through class chats, where someone posts a completed homework in a class chat and everyone copies it.”

Sometimes test answers are sent as

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well. A junior who requested anonymity told The Phoenix that a class chat “really gives [students] an excuse to not do work if someone else is just going to take a picture and send it.”

The anonymous junior also lamented the social pressures inherent in the chats.

“At least in the case of my class, it has sort of devolved our relationship into a ‘Business first: did anyone do the work?’ sort of ordeal that I think is the opposite of a socially nurturing environment,” he said.

He’s not the only student who thinks his class chat has negatively impacted the class dynamic. Senior Sonny Setton claims that class chats have not brought him closer to his class. “In fact I’ve grown to dislike some of my classmates because of [class chats],” he said.

However, senior Gabe Vizgan said, “I definitely think class chats bring the class closer together, since we’re all kind of helping each other out.”

Occasionally, the conversation switches to things that are not schoolrelated. Chera said, “I think it makes classes closer because we can make jokes and talk about it the next day.” The class chat can become a place where students can casually discuss anything. An anonymous sophomore reports, “I think they bring the class together because we all get to know more about each other and we become closer friends.”

As Setton puts it, class chats “create conflict rarely, but create conflict nonetheless,” and most students agreed. Chera explained, “Sometimes there’s fighting, but mostly joke fighting. But we never actually fight fight. Just joke too hard.”

But many students said that joking sometimes becomes bullying. “I would say that there is some type of bullying in every class chat, even if it’s not intentional,” said an anonymous sophomore. “There’s always teasing and goofing around, but some people can take that personally and it could really offend them.”

Waldman added, “I guess the fact that it’s a chat and not in person, people do say meaner things and think they can get away with it.”

Shalam said that she, too, has encountered bullying in her class chat. “Group chats are very useful but people shouldn’t use them for bullying. Students need to learn how to use a class group chat to become friends with their class and for notes, but limit the bullying.”

Even Chera admits that, “Sometimes there are blackmails in the class chats, but apparently people view them as if they were only a joke.”

Overall, most students are willing to take the bad with the good. An anonymous sophomore feels that, “although there may be some negatives, there are definitely some positives. A lot of people learn better through chats because your peers are explaining the material to you and they can explain in a way that you understand better.”

Junior Suzy Mosseri summed it up: “Nothing will ever be perfectly good.

Yes, everyone benefits from a class chat, but there are always going to be negatives. Like when you have normal (not school-related) conversations with people, you can get into an argument; so of course we fight, but at the end of the day it just brings us closer as a whole.”

Teachers Differ @ Using Social Media with Students

By Diana Hoffstein Junior Editor

Sometimes students forget that their teachers are actual people who still exist when they leave the physical confines of the school building. They need to keep in touch with their friends and families just like students do, and many teachers use social media to do so.

Teachers’ use of social media becomes a perfect platform on which their students can learn about them. Students are often curious when it comes to their teachers’ lives because they are only shown one side: the side that stands in front of a class and gives a lecture or a test. It can be fascinating to see the other side of teacher, in which they live everyday life and display a different side to their personalities.

Additionally, students who get along well with their teachers some-

Senior Names?

Not at Flatbush

By Jane Zakay Junior Editor

For several years, countless high school seniors across the country have carried on the emerging tradition of changing their names on their social media accounts so that prospective colleges cannot find them online. At Flatbush, however, most of this year’s seniors say they haven’t bothered giving themselves what are commonly called “senior names.”

For some Flatbush students, the decision is explained by hubris. “I want them to look me up and say, ‘Wow, what a boss,’” said senior Albert Rahmey.

A more common explanation was that seniors simply feel that their online activity is benign and won’t hurt their

times want to continue that friendly relationship outside the classroom.

Social media isn’t that simple, though. It can be difficult for teachers to maintain a professional image when they are sharing their unguarded social media posts with their students. “There are aspects of my life I don’t necessarily want to share with my classes.” said one teacher who asked to remain anonymous. “Plus, sometimes I go on social media and complain about a tough day at work. I don’t need students to see that, misinterpret it, and get unnecessarily offended.”

This is why most teachers are stricter than students when it comes to privacy settings. They understand that students are extremely curious, so they proceed with caution. Accordingly, many teachers have the same policy; they will accept students as Facebook friends, Instagram followers, etc. only once the student has graduated. This helps maintain an appropriate teacher-student relationship, several teachers said.

A handful of clever teachers create separate accounts just to share with students, and are more guarded about what they post

chances of being accepted. “I have nothing to hide,” explained Allan Bailey of class 4-HR. Several other seniors echoed his sentiments.

Other students said they’re not particularly careful about social media because it is unlikely colleges will bother checking up on them. Statistics back that up. According to various published surveys, the majority of colleges don’t take the time to check the online activity of

“I have nothing to hide,” explained Allan Bailey of class 4-HR. Several other seniors echoed his sentiments. every applicant.

Michael Ramian, the director of admissions at Saint Joseph’s College in Chicago, said his staff focuses on submitted applications, not on social media accounts. “The Office of Admissions at Saint Joseph’s College does NOT check social media accounts before, during,

there. Former Flatbush English teacher Ms. Stein, who moved to England over the summer, lets students follow one of her Instagram accounts but not her main account. She posts photos on the student-friendly account less frequently and is more discerning about what she posts there.

Some teachers allow their students a glimpse into their lives on social media.

Senora Ovadia, for example, is Facebook friends with some current students. Another is Ms. Marcus, who connects to her classes on Snapchat. Her students see her daily stories from her son, Eddie, and the occasional motivational selfie.

But she also sends schoolwork-related snaps. The snaps became a link between her and her students and over time they became catered to her students. “It fosters a nice relationship with my students and allows them to see me as a whole person and not just their teacher.”

No matter how hard teachers try to stay private, some students are determined to find them online. Resourceful students can often find candid photos of teachers online, and are quick to pounce on the profiles of any teacher who has neglected his or her privacy settings.

Students jokingly refer to this hobby as “stalking.”

One student who admitted to stalking teachers online occasionally explained why: “Teachers have the best Facebook conversations; t h e y ’r e not only sophisticated but alsoentertaining.”

nor after the admission application evaluation process,” Ramian said.

However, many tops universities do search applicants online before making admissions decisions, and the number has been increasing. According to a 2013 survey of 422 college admissions officers conducted by Kaplan Test Prep, 29% of admissions officers said they Google prospective students. 31% said they look up applicants on Facebook. 39% said that when checking up on a student’s online presence, they found something that negatively impacted an applicant’s chances of admission. All three of those numbers were a few percentage points higher than they were a year earlier.

Despite the relatively low odds, some students are unwilling to take the chance.

If the college you hope to attend happens to look you up online, one inappropriate post, snap, or tweet could undo threeplus years of hard work.

Junior Estelle Saad, for one, isn’t taking any risks. She won’t be applying to college for several months, but says she plans to switch to a senior name when the time comes. “Why wouldn’t I change my name on social media if it can jeopardize my chances of getting into college after working so hard?” she asked rhetorically.

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Entertainment & Fun

Old Hits and New Genres

By Esty Fromer

sic coming out, but looking back 10 years ago so did 2006. 2006 had some of the most iconic artists and songs that most people know, remember and hold onto.

The highlights include songs like “Bad Day” by Daniel Powder, “Over My Head”

by The Fray, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies”

by Panic! At The Disco, “SOS” by Rihanna, “Photograph” by Nickleback, “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira, “Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé, and so many more prominent hits that are considered nostalgic. Looking back, we never would have expected such hits or the emergence of new genres within the last decade such as house, EDM, indie rock, and other genres we have yet to explore. The difference of a decade can sure rouse curiosity for future music.

Music Editor

“The songs on the radio are OK,” you’ve probably said recently. But have you ever stopped and wondered about the old hits on the radio? Looking back, so many hit songs have been on the radio, so many recycled, so many archived and stored somewhere far far away in our music library, listened to only about once a year (if we’re lucky enough to find the song somehow).

Well, 2016 has a lot of prospective mu-

Ask Merle

By Merle Dweck Fun and Games Editor

Merle, I find myself creating excuses as to why I don’t read anymore, the main one being “I have no time.” Yet time and again I find myself scrolling through Instagram accounts or refreshing Snapchat stories. How do I break this habit and return to my former favorite pastime, reading?

Sincerely, Back to My Roots Roots, Ha! Is it clear only to me that you already are? Reading is an ever-present shadow of life. Maybe you just can’t tell, like the way you never really know how you look to others, or how your voice sounds (because when you record it, you can swear that you don’t sound like that), or how you are perceived by strangers (Do you look 13? Like a rock star? Or just plain old Jane?).

Humanity didn’t know how to engage those of all ages into one invisible world where text and pictures can define a person, so they came up with Instagram. Obviously. Then it felt like people wanted to express who they were in a 10-second video for everyone else to judge whether they live life or not, so they created Snapchat! While the world, in its own, was adapting to society and trying to fit into the complicated creases every teenager creates, you were being scammed: you’re reading 13/7 and you don’t even know it. Snapchat has the

Movie Review: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

By Esther Levy Junior Editor

option of typing, so as you judge your friend, you can also read a caption to go to the accompanying picture.

OK, you’re not convinced by my overuse of metaphor and complicated sentences. Me either. But Instagram?

One word: humansofny. My eyes hurt just thinking about it.

Always, Merle Merle, Is it bad if I’m in bed by 10:00?

Sincerely, No Work, No Friends, No Problems No Work, Going to bed by 10 means you have no problems? Goodbye social media.

I’m going to drop out of school, maybe go into fashion. Goodbye friends. I have just set a problem-free curfew for myself: 9:50. That is, taking into account the minutes sitting in bed on the phone like so:

I cannot take credit for this piece of artwork. If you would like to buy it I think the going rate is about $1 million.

I could be wrong on that non-Googled statistic, though.

Always, Merle

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the Jane Austen story we all know and love with the added bonus of an oncoming zombie apocalypse. The movie is an adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith’s 2009 novel by the same name, which credits Jane Austen as co-author due to the novel’s fan-fiction-esque nature. Like its namesake novel, the movie is interspersed with scenes of the heroine grabbing the heart out a Japanese ninja’s chest before taking a bite into it, or viciously beheading a zombie’s head at a ball. These, of course, are not scenes that appear in the original Austen novel.

The original text, Jane Austen’s 19th century novel Pride and Prejudice, is indisputably a classic. Through the internal monologue of the extraordinarily snarky and witty heroine, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Bennet, Austen is able to write a social commentary of sorts and mock all the aspects of society she finds deplorable or simply ridiculous. The novel is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest love stories of all times, but arguably it’s much more. The real magic of Pride and Prejudice isn’t just its deep and intricate symbolism and themes, it’s Austen’s writing.

So this parody has to live up to a lot.

And it does. Not only is Grahame-Smith able to keep Lizzie’s voice alive, he’s also able to add to Austen’s social commentary, possibly using zombies and the fear of being turned as an allegory for being betrothed, or awaiting the confines of married life, building upon and enhancing the story’s feminist ideals.

Released this February and directed

by Burr Steers, the film version of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies stars Lily James as Lizzie Bennet and Sam Riley as Mr. Darcy. The movie brings to life the best aspects of both novels, doing so with its own twist. While watching the movie, it’s hard to remember why Pride and Prejudice without zombies is even worth anyone’s time. Where Austen’s Lizzie is dozing off in boredom at a conversation with Mr. Collins, zombie slayer Lizzie is imagining all the ways she could kill Mr. Collins. While Austen’s Lizzie introspectively examines her original impression of Mr. Darcy, zombie slayer Lizzie delivers seven cuts of dishonor to herself in shame over her wronged impression.

When Austen dulls, Grahame-Smith and Steer add fast-paced action and suspense-heavy sequences.

Even if you haven’t read either novel, the film is worth seeing. But you should read both novels anyway.

Pun and Games

By Merle Dweck Pun and Games Editor

What’s red and smells like blue paint? Red paint.

What’s sticky and brown? A stick.

What’s better than a talking dog? A spelling bee.

Wanna hear a construction joke? Never mind, I’m still working on it.

I would tell you a chemistry joke, but Na ...

I went to a wedding last night. It was so emotional even the cake was in tiers.

I’m reading a book about gravity ... it’s impossible to put down.

How did I escape Iraq? Iran.

Why did the rooster cross the road? He didn’t wanna be chicken.

Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? Don’t worry, he’s all right now.

I used to be a banker but I lost interest.

Have you ever tried to eat a clock? It’s very time-consuming.

I drove my luxury car into a tree and found out how a Mercedes bends.

Orange you glad they lettuce ketchup to the crowd?

Need an ark to save two of every animal? I Noah guy.

Police were called to the daycare center because a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

Yesterday a clown held the door open for me ... I thought it was a nice jester.

www.theflatbushphoenix.com | 6

Standard of Fabulous Dos and Don’ts: Style from Magazines

By Dubby Sasson Contributing Writer

Saturday afternoon is a time for me to catch up on my “reading”, namely my magazines, like Lucky, Vogue, and People. These magazines give me inspiration for my style.

My favorite part of reading a magazine is creating a list in my head of fashion “Do’s and Don’ts.” Seeing pictures of celebrities wearing clothing that is six times too big is an absolute Don’t.

Did they forget to look in the mirror?!

And big bows?! They make people look like human-size presents. Another look commonly found in magazines are western booties; they belong on a cowboy, not a modern woman. These looks are too flamboyant to incorporate into my

Online Shopping Takes Off

By Barbara Melamed Contributing Writer

As high school students, we all know how hard it is to make time to physically go to a store to shop. No matter how hard we try, something always gets in the way

Sam Says

By Sam Contributing Writer

Hello again, Sam here. If you think you’ve figured out who I am yet, e-mail me at thisissamsays@gmail.com to get out of class free! (OK, not really.)

Alright so what’s the topic this month, you ask? Ties, ties, ties. That strange

style.

Many styles stand out in my eyes as a Do, and inspire my style. For example, the new trend of a midi skirt paired with an adorable bootie is a sure way to dress and impress! Flatbush will surely approve of this look. This season I adore pom-pom hats, Stan Smith sneakers, and printed scarves to accessorize any outfit. A trend that I’ve seen throughout magazines are jean jackets. They’re so in!

These Do’s can be found just by flipping through a magazine.

Many times I rip out or fold down photos or trends I like. However, I don’t completely copy the trends or what I see.

I add a twist to make it my own. For my

sister’s engagement party, I purchased a dress that I adored. Although I loved it, I didn’t stop there. I then purchased fabric to match and enhance the dress. I explained to the dress maker how I wanted to create a unique style. Even though it wasn’t found in a magazine, it definitely

of that empty Sunday that we were anticipating. That’s where online shopping comes in. Online shopping has basically taken over most teenagers’ lives. Let’s admit it; to most of us, it’s the greatest discovery yet.

Shopping online comes with so many benefits and perks not only for us high school students, but for everyone. You can’t beat the convenience or the deals, but when it comes to fashion there’s another major advantage: how up-to-date the sites are. If there’s a new trend, it shows up on major shopping websites almost immediately, and every day you can find something new.

OK, I’ll give you one more: size options. Sometimes you go to the store, fall in love with a piece of clothing, but you then are devastated because they don’t have your size.

Online stores are constantly being restocked and almost always have the size you’re looking for; if not, they often have it the next day.

Like every great thing, online shopping has its disadvantages. When buying clothes, one annoying thing about online shopping would definitely have to be the what size to pick problem. Without physically going to a store and trying something on, you never know exactly

what size to get. Even if you know what size you are in one store, it’s usually different for another. While shopping online, people use two common solutions that deal with this problem, both of which are seriously flawed. One mistake is to buy the size you usually are, which you usually aren’t in this particular store.

The second option is to think you can’t go wrong with buying multiple sizes, forgetting the irritating consequences of having to return the ones you don’t want. Basically, you hardly ever choose the right size, and those few who do are very lucky.

Another trap is overspending. Sometimes you get so caught up in clicking Add to Cart that you forget how much you’re adding. By the time you’re ready to buy and see the total cost, you can’t bring yourself to take anything out so you buy it all anyway. In the physical store you know what you’re picking up and are able to maintain some self-control, but online your arms never get tired of holding the items you’ve chosen. Plus, to add to that ridiculous cost, you have to pay extra money with shipping.

So have fun finding great deals in your size, but be careful, and be smart.

piece of cloth males (and occasionally females) tie around their necks to supposedly dress formally. Who came up with the idea of a tie anyway? I looked it up— turns out it was 17th-century Croatian mercenaries, who started this trend as a part of their uniform. Who knew?

These days there are so many different types and styles of ties that a guy can’t keep up. So how do you know which tie to wear? I have a little secret. All you have to do is look the tie dead in the eye and command it to speak. Nah I’m just kidding,

but wouldn’t that be awesome? The trick to the tie is the same with everything else.

You have to know your style and what works for you. The tie won’t literally speak to you, b u t whatever catches your eye deserves a try. With ties, don’t be afraid to go bold.

They’re meant to say something, so let them speak!

could have been worn on a runway!

Looking through magazines and at runways can definitely give you inspiration for your style. You can’t stop there, though! To make your style stand out and to make it more you, change up the look a little bit and make it your own.

Fashion Fact: The first piece of clothing that Michael Kors designed was his mother’s wedding dress.

SOF Survey What do you love about fashion?

A- I love expressing myself with my style and showing everyone who I am through clothing B- I like looking good C- I think it’s just fun to play around with different looks and see what you like D- I enjoy seeing how different people use fashion in different ways

www.theflatbushphoenix.com | 7

Sports Season Preview: Boys’ Tennis

By Albert Dweck Sports Editor

BenHaim at work

Sportsman Spotlight: Joey Aini

By Daniel Esses Contributing Writer

The indoor soccer season is soon beginning, and for the starting striker and co-captain of the Falcons, Joey Aini, there is no better time in the whole entire year. As the team begins to prepare for the oncoming season, the thought of one last chance soon enters the minds of every senior. Often as something comes to an end, we look back to the beginning

2016 appears promising for the Falcons Varsity Boys’ Tennis Team, as they look to build off their appearance (and heartbreaking loss) in the finals to SAR just a season ago. Many key players from that championship-caliber team are returning this season, more experienced and ready to give it another go.

The dynamics of how a meet actually works are simple. Each team presents three singles players and two doubles squads, and each plays its opponent in order from best player to worst, with the best playing in the first singles match and so on. After 10 games, whichever team has won a majority of its matches is declared the victor.

The Falcons send out a fierce bunch from week to week, headlined by three juniors. Meyer Kassin, or Old Reliable, lost one game all of last season, a loss that came against Magen David’s four-star recruit David Mizrachi. Returning senior Daniel Esses summed up the team’s faith in Kassin: “It’s a confidence booster to go into every match knowing you’re auto-

matically one game up.”

That safety net is only made stronger when junior Joe BenHaim takes the court. BenHaim went undefeated last season, and is said to beat up on his opponents so quickly that he spends more time spectating than actually playing.

Although the team lost two integral

and try to vaguely recall how it all began.

It was no different for Aini, who happily reminisced about the origins of his interest in soccer.

He began by describing a single room full of people young and old adorned in yellow, jumping up and down hysterically as they shouted at the TV. That specific scene takes place in about a couple million homes every four years in Brazil for one spectacle they can’t get enough of, the World Cup. And for Aini’s grandmother, who lived in Brazil, such was the scene in her home during the 2010 games. While watching those games, Aini really began to fall in love with the sport. His passion grew as he soon began playing, and with that a star was born.

Aini joined the varsity squad in his freshman year. It was an experience like no other; he felt as if he had joined a “band of brothers” and in the process found a

home. The older guys on the squad really helped with his game, and Aini soon began learning the specific skills necessary to excel at the challenging sport.

Aini’s play took a massive leap forward upon the entrance of new coaches in his junior year, Rabbi Skolnik and Mr. Amzalag. Aini described his co-coaches as “amazing people and even better coaches. They brought a new winning atmosphere with them, and their skill and knowledge for the game is second to none.”

This year, Aini was named co-captain alongside teammate David Bendayan. He relishes the new role “I’m only a few weeks into the job and I’ve already learned so much, like how to communicate better, be a better friend, learning to share and help others,” he said.

As Joey looks to help the Falcons return to the playoffs, and hopefully make

Kassin grimaces after another tough but successful day on the hardcourt

pieces to last year’s Division Champion team in departing seniors Jacob Silvera and Yosef Cohen, the remaining players gained invaluable experience. Factor in the rise of two sophomore stars in Sam Torgueman and Ricky Esses, and the team is poised to, in captain Ben Nigri’s words, “win it all!”

a run at the cup, we can all lend a hand by attending the games as Joey and our boys give us something to root for.

Varsity Girls’ Basketball Wins Florida Tournament The Falcons had much to celebrate on Sunday, February 21, when they won the Rabbi Alexander S. Gross Hebrew Academy basketball tournament in Miami Beach, Florida. In the photos at left, the team celebrates with coach Jon Gabriel and their newest trophy.

www.theflatbushphoenix.com | 8